“Taisho democracy had more successes than failures.” Discuss with reference to the period from 1912 to 1926.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that Taisho democracy had more successes than failures. Discussion may extend beyond the time frame as the legacy of Taisho can be seen up to 1929, but points made must be clearly linked to the question. Candidates may discuss successes such as the introduction of male suffrage in 1925 and the appointment of Hara Takashi (a commoner) as Prime Minister. Japan’s involvement in international agreements and involvement in the League of Nations suggest that Japan was in a more democratic phase. Cultural developments in Japan throughout the 1920s demonstrated the growth of liberalism, although candidates may argue that this was mainly limited to the urban middle classes. Candidates may discuss more negative aspects such as the 21 Demands and the Siberian Expedition as evidence that Japan was already pursuing a militarism as early as 1915. Other failures may include the introduction of the Peace Preservation Law and the establishment of the tokko (the thought police) which closely monitored, and restricted, the activities of socialists and communists. The assassination of Prime Minister Hara in 1921 is further evidence that antidemocratic forces were present in Japan. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

A very popular question. The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that Taisho democracy had more successes than failures. There were some exceptional responses to this question and there was much broader coverage of the Taisho period (1912–1926) than seen in previous sessions. Candidates can briefly mention the Great Depression and Manchuria as examples of the legacy of Taisho but do need to remember to focus their responses on the period 1912–1926.